The Passionists

"In the following pages we will focus upon one religious community known as the Passionists. We will witness the workings of the Holy Spirit upon the labours of Paul Francis Daneo and Mother Mary Crucified Costantini in founding the Congregation of the Passion and the Institute of the Passionist Nuns. In the ensuing chapters we will see the seed growing the developing before and after the French Revolution, as the Congregation spreads from the Papal States to all of Italy, into western Europe, North and South America and Australia. Eventually, in the twentieth century it will be established also in Asia and Africa. The Passionists will become a truly international religious institute in the truly international Church of the post-Vatican II era. At the same time, the spread of the Congregation engenders the flowering of the charism of Paul Francis Daneo in various ways. Through the working of the Holy Spirit upon chosen men and women, the Passionist charism will respond to the varying needs of different ages and varying cultures. Finally, in the Epilogue, we will look into the twenty-first century to project the results of the Pentecostal fires of the Second Vatican Council upon the Passionist Community. What the Congregation will be at that future date will depend on the continuing action of the Spirit and the dedicated commitment of present and future Passionists to the ideals of the founder, St. Paul of the Cross." [Introduction].